Caspase 3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis contributes to chemotherapy drug-induced nephrotoxicity

Caspase family in autoimmune diseases

Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a crucial role in maintaining tissue homeostasis, with its primary forms including apoptosis, pyroptosis, and necroptosis. The caspase family is central to these processes, and its complex functions across different cell death pathways and other non-cell death roles have been closely linked to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. This article provides a comprehensive review of the role of the caspase family in autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), type 1 diabetes (T1D), and multiple sclerosis (MS). It particularly emphasizes the intricate functions of caspases within various cell death pathways and their potential as therapeutic targets, thereby offering innovative insights and a thorough discussion in this field. In terms of therapy, strategies targeting caspases hold significant promise. We emphasize the importance of a holistic understanding of caspases in the overall concept of cell death, exploring their unique functions and interrelationships across multiple cell death pathways, including apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and PANoptosis. This approach transcends the limitations of previous studies that focused on singular cell death pathways. Additionally, caspases play a key role in non-cell death functions, such as immune cell activation, cytokine processing, inflammation regulation, and tissue repair, thereby opening new avenues for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Regulating caspase activity holds the potential to restore immune balance in autoimmune diseases. Potential therapeutic approaches include small molecule inhibitors (both reversible and irreversible), biological agents (such as monoclonal antibodies), and gene therapies. However, achieving specific modulation of caspases to avoid interference with normal physiological functions remains a major challenge. Future research must delve deeper into the regulatory mechanisms of caspases and their associated complexes linked to PANoptosis to facilitate precision medicine. In summary, this article offers a comprehensive and in-depth analysis, providing a novel perspective on the complex roles of caspases in autoimmune diseases, with the potential to catalyze breakthroughs in understanding disease mechanisms and developing therapeutic strategies.

Molecular signaling pathways in doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity and potential therapeutic agents

Doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline chemotherapeutic agent, is extensively utilized in the clinical management of both solid and hematological malignancies. Nevertheless, the clinical application of this treatment is significantly limited by adverse reactions and toxicity that may arise during or after administration. Its cytotoxic effects are multifaceted, with cardiotoxicity being the most prevalent side effect. Furthermore, it has the potential to adversely affect other organs, including the brain, kidneys, liver, and so on. Notably, it has been reported that DOX may cause renal failure in patients and there is currently no effective treatment for DOX-induced kidney damage, which has raised a high concern about DOX-induced nephrotoxicity (DIN). Although the precise molecular mechanisms underlying DIN remain incompletely elucidated, prior research has indicated that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are pivotal in this process, triggering a cascade of detrimental pathways including apoptosis, inflammation, dysregulated autophagic flux, and fibrosis. In light of these mechanisms, decades of research have uncovered several DIN-associated signaling pathways and found multiple potential therapeutic agents targeting them. Thus, this review intends to delineate the DIN associated signaling pathways, including AMPK, JAKs/STATs, TRPC6/RhoA/ROCK1, YAP/TEAD, SIRTs, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β/Smad, MAPK, Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB, and PI3K/AKT, and to summarize their potential regulatory agents, which provide a reference for the development of novel medicines against DIN.

Interaction Between Autophagy and the Inflammasome in Human Tumors: Implications for the Treatment of Human Cancers

Autophagy is a physiologically regulated cellular process orchestrated by autophagy-related genes (ATGs) that, depending on the tumor type and stage, can either promote or suppress tumor growth and progression. It can also modulate cancer stem cell maintenance and immune responses. Therefore, targeted manipulation of autophagy may inhibit tumor development by overcoming tumor-promoting mechanisms. The inflammasome is another multifunctional bioprocess that induces a form of pro-inflammatory programmed cell death, called pyroptosis. Dysregulation or overactivation of the inflammasome has been implicated in tumor pathogenesis and development. Additionally, autophagy can inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome by removing inflammatory drivers. Recent research suggests that the NLRP3 inflammasome, in turn, affects autophagy. Understanding the complex interplay between autophagy and inflammasomes could lead to more precise and effective strategies for cancer treatments. In this review, we summarize the impact of autophagy and inflammasome dysregulation on tumor progression or suppression. We then highlight their targeting for cancer treatment as monotherapy or in combination with other therapies. Furthermore, we discuss the interaction between autophagy and tumor-promoting inflammation or the NLRP3 inflammasome. Finally, based on recent findings, we review the potential of this interaction for cancer treatment.

Pyroptosis and the fight against lung cancer

Pyroptosis, a newly characterized type of inflammatory programmed cell death (PCD), is usually triggered by multiple inflammasomes which can recognize different danger or damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), leading to the activation of caspase-1 and the cleavage of gasdermin D (GSDMD). Gasdermin family pore-forming proteins are the executers of pyroptosis and are normally maintained in an inactive state through auto-inhibition. Upon caspases mediated cleavage of gasdermins, the pro-pyroptotic N-terminal fragment is released from the auto-inhibition of C-terminal fragment and oligomerizes, forming pores in the plasma membrane. This results in the secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), generating osmotic swelling and lysis. Current therapeutic approaches including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, molecularly targeted therapy and immunotherapy for lung cancer treatment efficiently force the cancer cells to undergo pyroptosis, which then generates local and systemic antitumor immunity. Thus, pyroptosis is recognized as a new therapeutic regimen for the treatment of lung cancer. In this review, we briefly describe the signaling pathways involved in pyroptosis, and endeavor to discuss the antitumor effects of pyroptosis and its potential application in lung cancer therapy, focusing on the contribution of pyroptosis to microenvironmental reprogramming and evocation of antitumor immune response.

Tertiary amine modification enables triterpene nanoparticles to target the mitochondria and treat glioblastoma via pyroptosis induction

Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common primary brain tumor, lacks effective treatments. Emerging evidence suggests mitochondria as a promising therapeutic target, albeit successfully targeting represents a major challenge. Recently, we discovered a group of triterpenes that can self-assemble into nanoparticles (NPs) for cancer treatment. However, unmodified triterpene NPs lack affinity for mitochondria. In this study, using oleanolic acid (OA) as an example, we demonstrated that tertiary amine modification enabled triterpene NPs to selectively target the mitochondria through interaction with translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 70 (TOM70) leading to effective killing of GBM cells via pyroptosis. We showed that the NPs could be engineered for preferentially penetrating brain tumors through surface conjugation of iRGD, and treatment with the resulting NPs significantly prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice. We found that the efficacy could be further improved by encapsulating lonidamine, a mitochondrial hexokinase inhibitor. Furthermore, the observed mitochondria targeting effect through tertiary amine modification could be extended to other triterpenes, including lupeol and glycyrrhetinic acid. Collectively, this study reveals a novel strategy for targeting the mitochondria through tertiary amine modification of triterpenes, offering a promising avenue for the effective treatment of GBM.

Zinc promotes microbial p-coumaric acid production that protects against cholestatic liver injury

Cholestatic liver disease (CLD) is a common liver disorder with limited treatment options. Here, we demonstrate that zinc (Zn) supplementation can alter the gut microbiome to mitigate cholestatic liver injury. Oral Zn altered the microbiota of mice and humans (this study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov [NCT05597137]), increasing the abundance of Blautia producta (B. producta) and promoting the generation of p-coumaric acid. Additionally, p-coumaric acid concentrations were negatively correlated with liver injury parameters in CLD patients. In mice, the protective effects of Zn were partially mediated by p-coumaric acid, which directly bound to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2) and suppressed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hepatocytes, thus preventing hepatocyte cell death and liver damage. Additionally, knocking out the histidine ammonia-lyase, which catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to p-coumaric acid in B. producta, blunted the protective effects of Zn. These findings highlight a host-microbiota interaction that is stimulated by Zn supplementation, providing potential benefits for CLD.

Pyropheophorbide-α methyl ester-mediated photodynamic therapy triggers pyroptosis in osteosarcoma cells via the ROS/caspase-3/GSDME pathway

BACKGROUND

Pyropheophorbide-α methyl ester-mediated photodynamic therapy(MPPa-PDT) is a candidate treatment for solid tumors, including osteosarcoma. Pyroptosis has garnered significant attention in cancer research due to its pro-inflammatory and immunomodulatory nature. This study investigated the mechanism and role of MPPa-PDT-induced pyroptosis in osteosarcoma cells.

METHODS

We treated human osteosarcoma 143b and HOS cells with MPPa at concentrations of 0.5 μM and 0.25 μM, respectively, then irradiated the cells with LED light at 630 nm wavelength with an energy density of 4.8 J/cm2. Cell viability and apoptosis ratio were detected using CCK-8 and Annexin V-Propidium Iodide staining, respectively. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and mitochondrial membrane potential (MtΔψ) were assessed using 2',7'-Dichlorofluorescin diacetate, and JC-1 staining kits, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was utilized to examine cell ultrastructure. The morphological changes of the cells were observed by an inverted microscope. Western blotting analysis was conducted to measure protein levels. To elucidate the mechanism and role, we re-evaluated relevant parameters after pretreating with NAC,Si caspase-3, and Si GSDME.

RESULTS

MPPa-PDT inhibited the activity of osteosarcoma 143b and HOS cells and induced pyroptosis with mitochondrial damage, ROS aggregation, and activation of Caspase-3 and GSDME. The effects of MPPa-PDT on the activity and apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells were partially reversed after pretreating with Si GSDME. After NAC pretreatment, the activation of pyroptosis and Caspase-3 induced by MPPa-PDT was partially reversed. After Si Caspase-3 pretreatment, the pyroptosis induced by MPPa-PDT was partially reversed.

CONCLUSION

MPPa-PDT can induce pyroptosis in osteosarcoma cells, which has the effect of enhancing apoptotic processes. Mitochondrial damage and ROS/caspase-3/GSDME pathway are the possible mechanisms of pyroptosis induced by MPPa-PDT.

Mechanism of dexmedetomidine protection against cisplatin induced acute kidney injury in rats

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the molecular mechanisms by which dexmedetomidine (Dex) alleviates cisplatin (CP)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats.

METHODS

CP-induced AKI models were established, and Dex was intraperitoneally injected at different concentrations into rats in the model groups. Subsequently, rats were assigned to the control, CP, CP + Dex 10 μg/kg, and CP + Dex 25 μg/kg groups. After weighing the kidneys of the rats, the kidney arterial resistive index was calculated, and CP-induced AKI was evaluated. In addition, four serum biochemical indices were measured: histopathological damage in rat kidneys was detected; levels of inflammatory factors, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha, in kidney tissue homogenate of rats were assessed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); and levels of NLRP-3, caspase-1, cleaved caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), and GSDMD-N in kidney tissues of rats were determined via western blotting.

RESULTS

Dex treatment reduced nephromegaly and serum clinical marker upregulation caused by CP-induced AKI. In addition, hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that Dex treatment relieved CP-induced kidney tissue injury in AKI rats. ELISA analyses demonstrated that Dex treatment reduced the upregulated levels of proinflammatory cytokines in the kidney tissue of AKI rats induced by CP, thereby alleviating kidney tissue injury. Western blotting indicated that Dex alleviated CP-induced AKI by inhibiting pyroptosis mediated by NLRP-3 and caspase-1.

CONCLUSION

Dex protected rats from CP-induced AKI, and the mechanism may be related to NLRP-3/Caspase-1-mediated pyroptosis.

Dual inhibition of topoisomerase II and microtubule of podophyllotoxin derivative 5p overcomes cancer multidrug resistance

Compound 5p is a 4β-N-substituted podophyllotoxin derivative, which exhibited potent activity toward drug-resistant K562/A02 cells and decreased MDR-1 mRNA expression. Here, we further investigated its detail mechanism and tested its antitumor activity. 5p exerted catalytic inhibition of topoisomerase IIα, and didn't show the inhibitor of topoisomerase I. 5p exhibited the inhibitory effect on microtubule polymerization. 5p showed potent anti-proliferation against breast cancer, oral squamous carcinoma, and their drug-resistant cell lines, with resistance index of 0.61 and 0.86, respectively. 5p downregulated the expression levels of P-gp in KBV200 cells and BCRP in MCF7/ADR cells in dose-dependent manner. Moreover, 5p induced KB and KBV200 cells arrest at G2/M phase by up-regulating the expression of γ-H2AX, p-Histone H3 and cyclin B1. 5p induced apoptosis and pyroptosis by increased the expression levels of cleaved-PARP, cleaved-caspase3, N-GSDME as well as LDH release in KB and KBV200 cells. In addition, 5p efficiently impaired tumor growth in KB and KBV200 xenograft mice. Conclusively, this work elucidated the dual inhibitor of topoisomerase II and microtubule of 5p and its mechanism of overcoming the multidrug resistance, indicating that 5p exerts the antitumor potentiality.

Arming oncolytic M1 virus with gasdermin E enhances antitumor efficacy in breast cancer

Pyroptosis, driven by the N-terminal domain of gasdermin proteins (GSDM), promotes antitumor immunity by attracting lymphocytes to the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, current pyroptosis-inducing therapies like drug injections and phototherapy are limited to localized treatments, making them unsuitable for widespread or microscopic metastatic lesions. This study engineered oncolytic M1 viruses (rM1-mGSDME_FL and rM1-mGSDME_NT) to selectively deliver GSDME to tumor cells. These modified viruses enhanced tumor cell death in breast cancer models, suppressed tumor growth, extended survival in mice, and boosted immune cell infiltration, demonstrating significant anticancer potential through pyroptosis induction.

Mitigation of Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity and Augmentation of Anticancer Potency via Tea Polyphenol Nanoparticles' Codelivery of siRNA from CRISPR/Cas9 Screened Targets

Cisplatin, a frontline chemotherapeutic agent against cancer, faces challenges in clinical application due to significant toxicities and suboptimal efficacy. Renal toxicity, a dose-limiting factor of cisplatin, results from multifactorial processes including cisplatin-induced cellular pyroptosis, oxidative damage, and inflammatory responses. Our findings reveal that Tea Polyphenols Nanoparticles (TPNs) derived from Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) effectively could address these diverse mechanisms, comprehensively alleviating cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Leveraging TPNs as carriers, chemical conjugation enables the encapsulation of tetravalent cisplatin prodrug, extending its systemic half-life, enhancing tumor tissue accumulation, while simultaneously mitigating renal toxicity. Concurrently, employing a CRISPR/Cas9 kinase library, we identified CSNK2A1 as a target sensitizing tumor cells to cisplatin, enabling specific siRNA sequences to augment cisplatin susceptibility, thereby minimizing the dosage requirement. Benefiting from the versatile carrier properties of TPNs to codeliver cisplatin prodrug and anti-CSNK2A1 siRNA, we developed a codelivery system, Pt-TPNs/siRNA. Pt-TPNs/siRNA not only enhances the anticancer effects but also mitigates cisplatin-induced renal toxicity, achieving efficacy while reducing toxicity. Mechanistic and safety assessments of these nanoparticles were conducted at both cellular and animal levels, opening new avenues for improved clinical utilization of cisplatin.

Gasdermin E mediates pyroptosis in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma: a double-edged sword

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer worldwide. It usually develops due to viral hepatitis or liver cirrhosis. The molecular mechanisms involved in HCC pathogenesis are complex and incompletely understood. Gasdermin E (GSDME) is a tumor suppressor gene and is inhibited in most cancers. Recent studies have reported that, unlike those in most tumors, GSDME is highly expressed in liver cancer, and GSDME expression in HCC is negatively associated with prognosis, suggesting that GSDME may promote HCC. However, antitumor drugs can induce pyroptosis through GSDME, killing HCC cells. Therefore, GSDME may both inhibit and promote HCC development. Because functional studies of GSDME in HCC are limited, the precise molecular mechanisms of GSDME in liver cancer remain unclear. In this article, we have reviewed the role, related mechanisms, and clinical importance of GSDME at the onset and development of HCC to provide a theoretical foundation to improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer.

Metformin Inhibited GSDME to Suppress M2 Macrophage Pyroptosis and Maintain M2 Phenotype to Mitigate Cisplatin-Induced Intestinal Inflammation

BACKGROUND

The continuous clinical use of cisplatin is prevented by gastrointestinal toxicity.

METHODS

Cisplatin was used to treat THP-1-derived macrophages to see its differential effects on different subtypes of macrophages. Wild-type and Gsdme-/- mice models were used to examine the effect of cisplatin and metformin on intestinal inflammation in vivo. The effect of GSDME on macrophage polarization was further confirmed by GSDME knockdown.

RESULTS

We found that M2 macrophages, with more cell blebbing and GSDME cleavage, were more sensitive to cisplatin-induced pyroptosis than M1 macrophages. Cisplatin was capable of enhancing the M1 phenotype, which was reversed by GSDME knockdown. GSDME contributed to M1 polarization and GSDME knockdown promoted M2 phenotype via STAT6 activation. Reduced intestinal inflammation and increased M2 macrophage numbers was detected in cisplatin-treated GSDME-knockout mice. Furthermore, metformin alleviated cisplatin-induced intestinal inflammation by reducing M2 pyroptosis and enhancing M2 phenotype through GSDME inhibition.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to reveal the non-pyroptotic role of GSDME in macrophage polarization, revealing that metformin could be used in combination with cisplatin to reduce intestinal toxicity.

Targeted Delivery to Dying Cells Through P-Selectin-PSGL-1 Axis: A Promising Strategy for Enhanced Drug Efficacy in Liver Injury Models

To minimize off-target adverse effects and improve drug efficacy, various tissue-specific drug delivery systems have been developed. However, even in diseased organs, both normal and stressed, dying cells coexist, and a targeted delivery system specifically for dying cells has yet to be explored to mitigate off-target effects within the same organ. This study aimed to establish such a system. By examining the surfaces of dying cells in vitro, we identified P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) as a universal marker for dying cells, positioning it as a potential target for selective drug delivery. We demonstrated that liposomes conjugated with the PSGL-1 binding protein P-selectin had significantly greater binding efficiency to dying cells compared to control proteins such as E-selectin, L-selectin, galectin-1, and C-type lectin-like receptor 2. Using thioacetamide (TAA) to induce hepatitis and hepatocyte damage in mice, we assessed the effectiveness of our P-selectin-based delivery system. In vivo, P-selectin-conjugated liposomes effectively delivered fluorescent dye and the apoptosis inhibitor z-DEVD to TAA-damaged livers in wild-type mice, but not in PSGL-1 knockout mice. In TAA-treated wild-type mice, unconjugated liposomes required a 100-fold higher z-DEVD dose compared to P-selectin-conjugated liposomes to achieve a comparable, albeit less effective, therapeutic outcome in lowering plasma alanine transaminase levels and alleviating thrombocytopenia. This emphasizes that P-selectin conjugation enhances drug delivery efficiency by approximately 100-fold in mice. These results suggest that P-selectin-based liposomes could be a promising strategy for targeted drug delivery, enabling both diagnosis and treatment by specifically delivering cell-labeling agents and rescue agents to dying cells via the P-selectin-PSGL-1 axis at the individual cell level.

Alpha-lipoic acid: A promising pharmacotherapy seen through the lens of kidney diseases

Kidney diseases have rapidly increased in prevalence over the past few decades, and have now become a major global public health concern. This has put economic burden on the public healthcare system and causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, drugs currently in use for the management of kidney diseases have long-term major adverse effects that negatively impact the quality of life of these patients, hence making these drugs a "necessary evil". In recent times, antioxidant therapy has been explored as a potential pharmacological avenue for treatment of kidney diseases, and could offer a better therapeutic option with less adverse effect profile. One of such antioxidants is alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), a sulphur-containing multifunctional antioxidant that is endogenously produced by lipoic acid synthase in the mitochondria of many tissues, including the kidney. Burgeoning evidence indicates that ALA is showing clinical promise in the treatment and pharmacological management of many kidney diseases through its antioxidant and other therapeutic properties by activating several protective mechanisms while inhibiting deleterious signaling pathways. In this review, we present ALA as a potent naturally occurring antioxidant, its mitochondrial biosynthesis and pharmacological properties. In addition, we also discuss within the limit of present literature, ALA and its underlying molecular mechanisms implicated in experimental and clinical treatment of various kidney conditions, and thus, may offer nephrologists an additional and/or alternative avenue in the pharmacological management and treatment of kidney diseases while giving hope to these patients.

Cisplatin induces acute liver injury by triggering caspase-3/GSDME-mediated cell pyroptosis

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin triggers Gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavage, causing membrane bubble formation, content release, and inflammation. Caspase-3 activation initiates GSDME cleavage, and thus inhibiting this pathway mitigates cisplatin-induced pyroptosis in hepatocytes. This study aimed to delve into how cisplatin induces liver injury via pyroptosis.

METHODS

For animal experiments, C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: control, liver injury model group, and Ac-DMLD-CMK (caspase-3 inhibitor) intervention group. The liver histology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and TUNEL staining. The mRNA and protein levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot analysis. For in vitro experiments, HL-7702 cells were treated with cisplatin or GSDME siRNA. Cell pyroptosis was determined via cellular morphology, cytotoxicity and viability detection, flow cytometric assay, and Western blot detection for the expression of pyroptosis-related proteins.

RESULTS

Cisplatin-induced distinct liver morphological changes, hepatocellular injury, and inflammation in mice, along with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression. Heightened macrophage infiltration and hepatocellular death indicated cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. Cisplatin upregulated GSDME activation, along with Bax-mediated caspase-3 cleavage both in vivo and in vitro, implicating caspase-3/GSDME-dependent pyroptosis in liver injury. Treatment with Ac-DMLD-CMK ameliorated cisplatin-induced liver injury, reducing hepatocellular lesions, serum ALT and AST levels, cytokine expression, macrophage infiltration, and hepatocyte death. Ac-DMLD-CMK also attenuated GSDME-dependent pyroptosis post-cisplatin induction, as evidenced by decreased GSDME expression, Bax upregulation, and cleaved caspase-3 activation. For HL-7702 cells, GSDME siRNA transfection reduced GSDME expression, attenuated typical signs of cisplatin-induced pyroptosis, partially restored cell viability, and significantly inhibited cytotoxicity and a decrease in the proportion of propidium iodide-positive cells, indicating protection against cisplatin-induced hepatocyte pyroptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our study underscores the role of the caspase-3/GSDME signaling pathway in mediating cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, particularly in cases of excessive or cumulative cisplatin exposure. These findings suggest that targeting GSDME could represent a promising therapeutic approach to mitigate cisplatin-induced liver damage.

Pyroptosis and chemical classification of pyroptotic agents

Pyroptosis, as a lytic-inflammatory type of programmed cell death, has garnered considerable attention due to its role in cancer chemotherapy and many inflammatory diseases. This review will discuss the biochemical classification of pyroptotic inducers according to their chemical structure, pyroptotic mechanism, and cancer type of these targets. A structure-activity relationship study on pyroptotic inducers is revealed based on the surveyed pyroptotic inducer chemotherapeutics. The shared features in the chemical structures of current pyroptotic inducer agents were displayed, including an essential cyclic head, a vital linker, and a hydrophilic tail that is significant for π-π interactions and hydrogen bonding. The presented structural features will open the way to design new hybridized classes or scaffolds as potent pyroptotic inducers in the future, which may represent a solution to the apoptotic-resistance dilemma along with synergistic chemotherapeutic advantage.

[Utilizing Sonodynamic Therapy-Induced Pyroptosis for Liver Cancer Therapy]

Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. However, all liver cancer treatment options currently available fail to achieve a complete cure. Recently, research on pyroptosis has attracted significant attention from researchers in the field of cancer therapy. Pyroptosis is an inflammatory cell death closely related to oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The induction of pyroptosis can lead to the inhibition of tumor proliferation and the improvement of tumor immune responsiveness and is considered a novel therapeutic mechanism that can be utilized to develop new cancer therapies. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT), which involves a synergistic application of sonosensitizers and low-intensity focused ultrasound to generate cytotoxic ROS, demonstrates certain advantages and potentials in the treatment of liver cancer. However, liver cancer treatment utilizing SDT is still in the stage of preclinical research, and the specific conditions of ultrasound treatment, the biological effects, and the mechanisms of action are not fully understood. In this review, we discussed the potential of utilizing pyroptosis in liver cancer treatment, the mechanism of cancer therapy with ROS generated by SDT, and the latest findings concerning SDT from clinical and basic research. We discussed the utilization of SDT to force the accumulation of ROS in tumors to exceed the cytotoxicity threshold. Thus, SDT promotes pyroptosis and enhances the immune response to cancer. Furthermore, we discussed the prospects for applying the mechanism of SDT-induced pyroptosis in cancer therapy, thereby providing a better theoretical and experimental foundation for the clinical translation of SDT for liver cancer treatment.

The role of extracellular vesicles in pyroptosis-mediated infectious and non-infectious diseases

Pyroptosis, a lytic and pro-inflammatory cell death, is important in various pathophysiological processes. Host- and bacteria-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), as natural nanocarriers messengers, are versatile mediators of intercellular communication between different types of cells. Recently, emerging research has suggested that EVs exhibit multifaceted roles in disease progression by manipulating pyroptosis. This review focuses on new findings concerning how EVs shape disease progression in infectious and non-infectious diseases by regulating pyroptosis. Understanding the characteristics and activity of EVs-mediated pyroptotic death may conducive to the discovery of novel mechanisms and more efficient therapeutic targets in infectious and non-infectious diseases.

CRLF1 bridges AKT and mTORC2 through SIN1 to inhibit pyroptosis and enhance chemo-resistance in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer, the second most leading cause of gynecologic cancer mortality worldwide, is challenged by chemotherapy resistance, presenting a significant hurdle. Pyroptosis, an inflammation-linked programmed cell death mediated by gasdermins, has been shown to impact chemoresistance when dysregulated. However, the mechanisms connecting pyroptosis to chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer are unclear. We found that cytokine receptor-like factor 1 (CRLF1) is a novel component of mTORC2, enhancing AKT Ser473 phosphorylation through strengthening the interaction between AKT and stress-activated protein kinase interacting protein 1 (SIN1), which in turn inhibits the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 5 (ASK1)-JNK-caspase-3-gasdermin E pyroptotic pathway and ultimately confers chemoresistance. High CRLF1-expressing tumors showed sensitivity to AKT inhibition but tolerance to cisplatin. Remarkably, overexpression of binding-defective CRLF1 variants impaired AKT-SIN1 interaction, promoting pyroptosis and chemosensitization. Thus, CRLF1 critically regulates chemoresistance in ovarian cancer by modulating AKT/SIN1-dependent pyroptosis. Binding-defective CRLF1 variants could be developed as tumor-specific polypeptide drugs to enhance chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.

Cell Death: Mechanisms and Potential Targets in Breast Cancer Therapy

Breast cancer (BC) has become the most life-threatening cancer to women worldwide, with multiple subtypes, poor prognosis, and rising mortality. The molecular heterogeneity of BC limits the efficacy and represents challenges for existing therapies, mainly due to the unpredictable clinical response, the reason for which probably lies in the interactions and alterations of diverse cell death pathways. However, most studies and drugs have focused on a single type of cell death, while the therapeutic opportunities related to other cell death pathways are often neglected. Therefore, it is critical to identify the predominant type of cell death, the transition to different cell death patterns during treatment, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms in BC. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of various forms of cell death, including PANoptosis (pyroptosis, apoptosis, necroptosis), autophagy, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, and discuss their triggers and signaling cascades in BC, which may provide a reference for future pathogenesis research and allow for the development of novel targeted therapeutics in BC.

A new insight into the mechanism of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane-induced hepatotoxicity based on GSDME-mediated pyroptosis

There have been persistent concerns about the safety risks associated with DDT residues in the environment. Studies have shown that exposure to DDT or its metabolites can cause various liver diseases. However, the mechanisms of liver toxicity haven't been well studied. In our current investigation, we observed that DDT triggers pyroptosis in human liver cells (HL-7702), representing a novel form of programmed cell death. Our results delineated DDT (0-100 μM) induced pyroptosis in HL-7702 cells, which was confirmed through morphological changes, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, gasdermin E (GSDME) cleavage and Annexin-V/PI staining. Knockdown of GSDME reduced cell death and transferred the mode of cell death from pyroptosis to apoptosis. Notably, DDT exposure markedly increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, concurrent with c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation. Intervention with a ROS inhibitor or JNK inhibitor SP600125 restored cell viability and hindered GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Our results firstly demonstrate that DDT suppresses HL-7702 cells growth by inducing pyroptosis mainly through the ROS/JNK/GSDME pathway. These findings not only contribute to an in-depth understanding of DDT toxicity but also open avenues for gaining valuable insights into potential mitigation strategies and therapeutic interventions.

Recent advances in caspase-3, breast cancer, and traditional Chinese medicine: a review

Caspases (cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinases) are a group of structurally similar proteases in the cytoplasm that can be involved in cell differentiation, programmed death, proliferation, and inflammatory generation. Experts have found that caspase-3 can serve as a terminal splicing enzyme in apoptosis and participate in the mechanism by which cytotoxic drugs kill cancer cells. Breast cancer (BC) has become the most common cancer among women worldwide, posing a severe threat to their lives. Finding new therapeutic targets for BC is the primary task of contemporary physicians. Numerous studies have revealed the close association between caspase-3 expression and BC. Caspase-3 is essential in BC's occurrence, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, Caspase-3 exerts anticancer effects by regulating cell death mechanisms. Traditional Chinese medicine acting through caspase-3 expression is increasingly used in clinical treatment. This review summarizes the biological mechanism of caspase-3 and research progress on BC. It introduces a variety of traditional Chinese medicine related to caspase-3 to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of BC.

Miltirone induces GSDME-dependent pyroptosis in colorectal cancer by activating caspase 3

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and malignant tumor, ranking as the third most common cancer in men and the second most common cancer in women. Pyroptosis, a recently described programmed cell death mechanism mediated by the GSDM family, has emerged as an immunogenic mechanism for chemotherapy drugs in tumor treatment. In this study, we discovered that Miltirone has the ability to reduce the viability of CRC cells (SW620 and HCT116) and cause the proteolytic cleavage of gasdermin E (GSDME) in CRC cells. It was also observed that inhibiting GSDME prevented pyroptotic cell death induced by Miltirone in SW620 and HCT116 cells. Furthermore, the main active component of Miltirone was found to effectively bind with caspase 3. SiRNA-mediated caspase 3 silencing and specific caspase 3 inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK were shown to weaken Miltirone-induced GSDME-dependent cell death. The findings of the study suggest that Miltirone has the potential to inhibit the growth of CRC tumors in vivo by inducing pyroptotic cell death. This indicates that Miltirone could be a viable therapeutic agent for the treatment of CRC through GSDME-dependent pyroptosis. These results offer a promising new option for the clinical treatment of CRC.

Inhibiting caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis ameliorates septic lung injury in mice model

Acute lung injury is one of the most serious complications of sepsis, which is a common critical illness in clinic. This study aims to investigate the role of caspase-3/ gasdermin-E (GSDME)-mediated pyroptosis in sepsis-induced lung injury in mice model. Cecal ligation (CLP) operation was used to establish mice sepsis-induced lung injury model. Lung coefficient, hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the lung injury degree. In addition, caspase-3-specific inhibitor Z-DEVD-FMK and GSDME-derived inhibitor AC-DMLD-CMK were used in CLP model, caspase-3 activity, GSDME immunofluorescence, serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, TUNEL staining, and the expression levels of GSDME related proteins were detected. The mice in CLP group showed the increased expressions of cleaved-caspase-3 and GSDME-N terminal, destruction of lung structure, and the increases of LDH, IL-6, IL-18 and IL-1β levels, which were improved in mice treated with Z-DEVD-FMK or AC-DMLD-CMK. In conclusion, caspase-3/GSDME mediated pyroptosis is involved in the occurrence of sepsis-induced lung injury in mice model, inhibiting caspase-3 or GSDME can both alleviate lung injury.

Maintaining calcium homeostasis as a strategy to alleviate nephrotoxicity caused by evodiamine

Evodiamine (EVO), the main active alkaloid in Evodia rutaecarpa, was shown to exert various pharmacological activities, especially anti-tumor. Currently, it is considered a potential anti-cancer drug due to its excellent anti-tumor activity, which unfortunately has adverse reactions, such as the risk of liver and kidney injury, when Evodia rutaecarpa containing EVO is used clinically. In the present study, we aim to clarify the potential toxic target organs and toxicity mechanism of EVO, an active monomer in Evodia rutaecarpa, and to develop mitigation strategies for its toxicity mechanism. Transcriptome analysis and related experiments showed that the PI3K/Akt pathway induced by calcium overload was an important step in EVO-induced apoptosis of renal cells. Specifically, intracellular calcium ions were increased, and mitochondrial calcium ions were decreased. In addition, EVO-induced calcium overload was associated with TRPV1 receptor activation. In vivo TRPV1 antagonist and calcium chelator effects were observed to significantly reduce body weight loss and renal damage in mice due to EVO toxicity. The potential nephrotoxicity of EVO was further confirmed by an in vivo test. In conclusion, TRPV1-mediated calcium overload-induced apoptosis is one of the mechanisms contributing to the nephrotoxicity of EVO due to its toxicity, whereas maintaining body calcium homeostasis is an effective measure to reduce toxicity. These studies suggest that the clinical use of EVO-containing herbal medicines should pay due attention to the changes in renal function of patients as well as the off-target effects of the drugs.

Molecular mechanisms of resveratrol and its silver nanoparticle conjugate in addressing sepsis-induced lung injury

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection. Despite extensive research on its pathophysiology, effective therapeutic approaches remain a challenge. This study investigated the potential of resveratrol (RV) and silver nanoparticle-enhanced resveratrol (AgNP-RV) as treatments for sepsis-induced lung injury using a rat model of polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The study focused on evaluating changes in oxidative status (TAS, TOS, and OSI) and the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic markers (IL-1β, TNF-α, P2X7R, TLR4, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2) in lung tissue. Both RV and AgNP-RV demonstrated potential in mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, with AgNP-RV exhibiting greater efficacy than RV alone (p < 0.05). These findings were corroborated by histopathological analyses, which revealed reduced tissue damage in the RV- and AgNP-RV-treated groups. Our study highlights the therapeutic potential of RV and, particularly, AgNP-RV in combating sepsis-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. It also underscores the promise of nanoparticle technology in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. However, further investigations are warranted to fully understand the mechanisms of action, especially concerning the role of the P2X7 receptor in the observed effects. Nonetheless, our research suggests that RV and AgNP-RV hold promise as novel strategies for sepsis management.

GSDMD and GSDME synergy in the transition of acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS

Acute kidney injury (AKI) could progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the AKI-CKD transition has major clinical significance. A growing body of evidence has unveiled the role of pyroptosis in kidney injury. We postulate that GSDMD and GSDME exert cumulative effects on the AKI-CKD transition by modulating different cellular responses.

METHODS

We established an AKI-CKD transition model induced by folic acid in wildtype (WT), Gsdmd-/-, Gsdme-/-, and Gsdmd-/-Gsdme-/- mice. Tubular injury, renal fibrosis and inflammatory responses were evaluated. In vitro studies were conducted to investigate the interplay among tubular cells, neutrophils, and macrophages.

RESULTS

Double deletion of Gsdmd and Gsdme conferred heightened protection against AKI, mitigating inflammatory responses, including the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), macrophage polarization and differentiation, and ultimately renal fibrosis, compared with wildtype mice and mice with single deletion of either Gsdmd or Gsdme. Gsdme, but not Gsdmd deficiency, shielded tubular cells from pyroptosis. GSDME-dependent tubular cell death stimulated NETs formation and prompted macrophage polarization towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Gsdmd deficiency suppressed NETs formation and subsequently hindered NETs-induced macrophage-to-myofibroblast transition (MMT).

CONCLUSION

GSDMD and GSDME collaborate to contribute to AKI and subsequent renal fibrosis induced by folic acid. Synchronous inhibition of GSDMD and GSDME could be an innovative therapeutic strategy for mitigating the AKI-CKD transition.

RIP3 orchestrates oxidative stress and pyroptosis in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through regulation of AKT/Nrf2 signaling cascade

This study was designed to explore the role of RIP3 in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Our results demonstrate that RIP3 exacerbates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through promoting oxidative stress and pyroptosis by regulating the AKT/Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signal pathway. Inhibition of RIP3 using GSK-872 attenuated DOX-induced cardiac remodeling and contractile dysfunction. Moreover, using GSK-872 in vivo, the results revealed that inhibition of RIP3 alleviated DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by the resulting inhibition of oxidative stress and pyroptosis. In addition, inhibition of RIP3 increased the protein levels of AKT and Nrf2 in DOX-treated mouse hearts. Furthermore, the AKT inhibitor LY294002 lessened RIP3 reduction-offered protection against DOX-induced H9c2 cell injury by moderating oxidative stress and pyroptosis. Taken together, these data demonstrate that RIP3 activation orchestrates DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through elevated oxidative stress and pyroptosis in an AKT/Nrf2-dependent manner. Those findings highlight the clinical relevance and therapeutic potential of targeting RIP3 for the treatment of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

mRNA and miRNA expression profiles reveal the potential roles of RLRs signaling pathway and mitophagy in duck hepatitis A virus type 1 infection

Duck hepatitis A virus 1 (DHAV-1) is the primary cause of duck viral hepatitis, leading to sudden mortality in ducklings and significant economic losses in the duck industry. However, little is known about how DHAV-1 affects duckling liver at the molecular level. We conducted an analysis comparing the expression patterns of mRNAs and miRNAs in DHAV-1-infected duckling livers to understand the underlying mechanisms and dynamic changes. We identified 6,818 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) and 144 differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) during DHAV-1 infection. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs and miRNA target genes using gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) revealed their potential involvement in innate antiviral immunity, mitophagy, and pyroptosis. We constructed coexpression networks of mRNA-miRNA interactions and confirmed key DEMs (novel-mir333, novel-mir288, novel-mir197, and novel-mir71) using RT-qPCR. Further investigation demonstrated that DHAV-1 activates the RLRs signaling pathway, disrupts mitophagy, and induces pyroptosis. In conclusion, DHAV-1-induced antiviral immunity is closely linked to mitophagy, suggesting it could be a promising therapeutic target.

Research Progress of Pyroptosis in Diabetic Kidney Disease

Pyroptosis, known as one typical mode of programmed cell death, is generally characterized by the cleaved gasdermin family (GSDMs) forming pores in the cell membrane and inducing cell rupture, and the activation of aspartate-specific proteases (caspases) has also been found during this process. Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) is caused by the complication of diabetes in the kidney, and the most important kidney's function, Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), happens to drop to less than 90% of its usual and even lead to kidney failure in severe cases. The persistent inflammatory state induced by high blood glucose implies the key pathology of DKD, and growing evidence shows that pyroptosis serves as a significant contributor to this chronic immune-mediated inflammatory disorder. Currently, the expanded discovery of GSDMs, pyroptosis, and its association with innate immunity has been more attractive, and overwhelming research is needed to sort out the implication of pyroptosis in DKD pathology. In this review, we comb both classical studies and newly founds on pyroptosis, prick off the novel awakening of pyroptosis in DKD, and center on the significance of pyroptosis in DKD treatment, aiming to provide new research targets and treatment strategies on DKD.

Pyroptosis in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and its Therapeutic Regulation

Pyroptosis is a pro-inflammatory form of cell death resulting from the activation of gasdermins (GSDMs) pore-forming proteins and the release of several pro-inflammatory factors. However, inflammasomes are the intracellular protein complexes that cleave gasdermin D (GSDMD), leading to the formation of robust cell membrane pores and the initiation of pyroptosis. Inflammasome activation and gasdermin-mediated membrane pore formation are the important intrinsic processes in the classical pyroptotic signaling pathway. Overactivation of the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome triggers pyroptosis and amplifies inflammation. Current evidence suggests that the overactivation of inflammasomes and pyroptosis may further induce the progression of cancers, nerve injury, inflammatory disorders and metabolic dysfunctions. Current evidence also indicates that pyroptosis-dependent cell death accelerates the progression of diabetes and its frequent consequences including diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Pyroptosis-mediated inflammatory reaction further exacerbates DPN-mediated CNS injury. Accumulating evidence shows that several molecular signaling mechanisms trigger pyroptosis in insulin-producing cells, further leading to the development of DPN. Numerous studies have suggested that certain natural compounds or drugs may possess promising pharmacological properties by modulating inflammasomes and pyroptosis, thereby offering potential preventive and practical therapeutic approaches for the treatment and management of DPN. This review elaborates on the underlying molecular mechanisms of pyroptosis and explores possible therapeutic strategies for regulating pyroptosis-regulated cell death in the pharmacological treatment of DPN.

Targeted inhibition of pyroptosis via a carbonized nanoinhibitor for alleviating drug-induced acute kidney injury

Pyroptosis is a form of pro-inflammatory programmed cell death and it represents a potential therapeutic target for alleviating drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). However, there is a lack of effective and kidney-targeted pyroptosis inhibitors for AKI treatment so far. Herein, we report a pharmacologically active carbonized nanoinhibitor (P-RCDs) derived from 3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene that can preferentially accumulate in the kidneys and ameliorate chemotherapeutic drug-induced AKI by inhibiting pyroptosis. In particular, such a carbonized nanoformulation enables the transfer of desired pyroptosis inhibitory activity as well as the radical eliminating activity to the nanoscale, endowing P-RCDs with a favorable kidney-targeting ability. In cisplatin-induced AKI mice, P-RCDs can not only pharmacologically inhibit GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in renal cells with high efficacy, but also exhibit high antioxidative activity that protects the kidneys from oxidative injury. The present study proposes a feasible but efficacious strategy to construct versatile carbonized nanomedicine for targeted delivery of the desired pharmacological activities.

Caspase-3 targets pro-interleukin-1β (IL-1β) to restrict inflammation

The interleukin (IL)-1 family of cytokines plays a pivotal role in immune responses. Among the members of IL-1 family, IL-1β is synthesized as an inactive precursor (pro-IL-1β) and becomes active upon cleavage, which is typically facilitated by inflammasomes through caspase-1. In our research, we explored the potential role of caspase-3 in the cleavage of pro-IL-1β and found that caspase-3 cleaves pro-IL-1β, specifically at Asp26. Moreover, we found that in the absence of caspase-3 cleavage, the release of active IL-1β via the inflammasome is increased. Our study introduces pro-IL-1β as a new substrate for caspase-3 and suggests that caspase-3-mediated cleavage has the potential to suppress IL-1β-mediated inflammatory responses.

Cleavage of gasdermin by apoptotic caspases triggers pyroptosis restricting bacterial colonization in Hydra

Gasdermin (GSDM) proteins, as the direct executors of pyroptosis, are structurally and functionally conserved among vertebrates and play crucial roles in host defense against infection, inflammation, and cancer. However, the origin of functional GSDMs remains elusive in the animal kingdom. Here, we found that functional GSDME homologs first appeared in the cnidarian. Moreover, these animal GSDME homologs share evolutionarily conserved apoptotic caspase cleavage sites. Thus, we verified the functional conservation of apoptotic caspase-GSDME cascade in Hydra, a representative species of cnidarian. Unlike vertebrate GSDME homologs, HyGSDME could be cleaved by four Hydra caspase homologs with caspase-3 activity at two sites. Furthermore, in vivo activation of Hydra caspases resulted in HyGSDME cleavage to induce pyroptosis, exacerbating injury and restricting bacterial burden, which protects Hydra from pathogen invasion. In conclusion, these results suggest that GSDME-dependent pyroptosis may be an ancient and conserved host defense mechanism, which may contribute to better understanding on the origin and evolution of GSDMs.

Caspase-3/Gasdermin E-mediated pyroptosis contributes to Ricin toxin-induced inflammation

Ricin toxin (RT) is highly cytotoxic and can release a considerable amount of pro-inflammatory factors due to depurination, causing excessive inflammation that may aggravate the harm to the body. Pyroptosis, a type of gasdermin-mediated cell death, is a contributor to the exacerbation of inflammation. Accumulating evidence indicate that pyroptosis plays a significant role in the pathogen infection and tissue injury, suggesting a potential correlation between pyroptosis and RT-induced inflammation. Here, we aim to demonstrate this correlation and explore its molecular mechanisms. Results showed that RT triggers mouse alveolar macrophage MH-S cells pyroptosis by activating caspase-3 and cleaving Gasgermin E (GSDME). In contrast, inhibition of caspase-3 with Z-DEVD-FMK (inhibitor of caspase-3) or knockdown of GSDME attenuates this process, suggesting the essential role of caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in contributing to RT-induced inflammation. Collectively, our study enhances our understanding of a novel mechanism of ricin cytotoxicity, which may emerge as a potential target in immunotherapy to control the RT-induced inflammation.

PLCE1 enhances mitochondrial dysfunction to promote GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic value and long-term application of doxorubicin (DOX) were hampered by its severe irreversible cardiotoxicity. Phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE 1) was reported as a new member of the phospholipase C (PLC) family which controls the level of phosphoinositides in cells. Pyroptosis is a newly discovered inflammatory type of regulated cell death. Recent studies have consolidated that chemotherapeutic drugs lead to pyroptosis. Additionally, the phosphoinositide signaling system has remarkable effects on the execution of cell death. We aim to investigate the role of PLCE1 and the mechanism of pyroptosis from the context of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.

METHODS

In the current study, in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to dissect the underlying mechanism of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis during DOX-induced cardiac injury. The molecular mechanism of PLCE1 was identified by the human cardiomyocyte AC16 cell line and C57BL/6 mouse model.

RESULTS

The results here indicated that PLCE1 high expressed and pyroptotic cell death presented in cardiomyocytes after DOX application, which was negatively correlated to heart function. DOX-induced cell model disclosed pyroptosis mediated by Gasdermin E (GSDME) protein and involved in mitochondrial damage. Conversely, the deletion of PLCE1 ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction by suppressing ROS accumulation and reversing mitochondrial membrane potential, and then increased cell viability effectively. More importantly, the in vivo experiment demonstrated that inhibition of PLCE1 reduced pyroptotic cell death and improved heart effect.

CONCLUSIONS

We discovered firstly that PLCE1 inhibition protected cardiomyocytes from DOX-induced pyroptotic injury and promoted cardiac function. This information offers a theoretical basis for promising therapy.

Necroptosis contributes to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pathoetiology with promising diagnostic and therapeutic functions

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent type of chronic liver disease. However, the disease is underappreciated as a remarkable chronic disorder as there are rare managing strategies. Several studies have focused on determining NAFLD-caused hepatocyte death to elucidate the disease pathoetiology and suggest functional therapeutic and diagnostic options. Pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis are the main subtypes of non-apoptotic regulated cell deaths (RCDs), each of which represents particular characteristics. Considering the complexity of the findings, the present study aimed to review these types of RCDs and their contribution to NAFLD progression, and subsequently discuss in detail the role of necroptosis in the pathoetiology, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. The study revealed that necroptosis is involved in the occurrence of NAFLD and its progression towards steatohepatitis and cancer, hence it has potential in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary.

Mitochondria-Targeting Type-I Photodrug: Harnessing Caspase-3 Activity for Pyroptotic Oncotherapy

Precise control of cellular signaling events during programmed cell death is crucial yet challenging for cancer therapy. The modulation of signal transduction in cancer cells holds promise but is limited by the lack of efficient, biocompatible, and spatiotemporally controllable approaches. Here we report a photodynamic strategy that modulates both apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death by altering caspase-3 protein activity and the associated signaling crosstalk. This strategy employs a mitochondria-targeting, near-infrared activatable probe (termed M-TOP) that functions via a type-I photochemical mechanism. M-TOP is less dependent on oxygen and more effective in treating drug-resistant cancer cells, even under hypoxic conditions. Our study shows that higher doses of M-TOP induce pyroptotic cell death via the caspase-3/gasdermin-E pathway, whereas lower doses lead to apoptosis. This photodynamic method is effective across diverse gasdermin-E-expressing cancer cells. Moreover, the M-TOP mediated shift from apoptotic to pyroptotic modulation can evoke a controlled inflammatory response, leading to a robust yet balanced immune reaction. This effectively inhibits both distal tumor growth and postsurgical tumor recurrence. This work demonstrates the feasibility of modulating intracellular signaling through the rational design of photodynamic anticancer drugs.

Rutin mitigates fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity by inhibiting ROS-mediated lysosomal membrane permeabilization and the GSDME-HMGB1 axis involved in pyroptosis and inflammation

Fluoride is known to induce nephrotoxicity; however, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Therefore, this study aims to explore the roles and mechanisms of lysosomal membrane permeabilization (LMP) and the GSDME/HMGB1 axis in fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity and the protective effects of rutin. Rutin, a naturally occurring flavonoid compound known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, is primarily mediated by inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing proinflammatory markers. To that end, we established in vivo and in vitro models. In the in vivo study, rats were exposed to sodium fluoride (NaF) throughout pregnancy and up until 2 months after birth. In parallel, we employed in vitro models using HK-2 cells treated with NaF, n-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), or rutin. We assessed lysosomal permeability through immunofluorescence and analyzed relevant protein expression via western blotting. Our findings showed that NaF exposure increased ROS levels, resulting in enhanced LMP and increased cathepsin B (CTSB) and D (CTSD) expression. Furthermore, the exposure to NaF resulted in the upregulation of cleaved PARP1, cleaved caspase-3, GSDME-N, and HMGB1 expressions, indicating cell death and inflammation-induced renal damage. Rutin mitigates fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity by suppressing ROS-mediated LMP and the GSDME/HMGB1 axis, ultimately preventing fluoride-induced renal toxicity occurrence and development. In conclusion, our findings suggest that NaF induces renal damage through ROS-mediated activation of LMP and the GSDME/HMGB1 axis, leading to pyroptosis and inflammation. Rutin, a natural antioxidative and anti-inflammatory dietary supplement, offers a novel approach to prevent and treat fluoride-induced nephrotoxicity.

Mitochondrial P-JNK target, SAB (SH3BP5), in regulation of cell death

Cell death occurs in various circumstances, such as homeostasis, stress response, and defense, via specific pathways and mechanisms that are regulated by specific activator-induced signal transductions. Among them, Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) participate in various aspects, and the recent discovery of JNKs and mitochondrial protein SAB interaction in signal regulation of cell death completes our understanding of the mechanism of sustained activation of JNK (P-JNK), which leads to triggering of the machinery of cell death. This understanding will lead the investigators to discover the modulators facilitating or preventing cell death for therapeutic application in acute or chronic diseases and cancer. We discuss here the mechanism and modulators of the JNK-SAB-ROS activation loop, which is the core component of mitochondria-dependent cell death, specifically apoptosis and mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT)-driven necrosis, and which may also contribute to cell death mechanisms of ferroptosis and pyroptosis. The discussion here is based on the results and evidence discovered from liver disease models, but the JNK-SAB-ROS activation loop to sustain JNK activation is universally applicable to various disease models where mitochondria and reactive oxygen species contribute to the mechanism of disease.

Death and survival from executioner caspase activation

Executioner caspases are evolutionarily conserved regulators of cell death under apoptotic stress. Activated executioner caspases drive apoptotic cell death through cleavage of diverse protein substrates or pyroptotic cell death in the presence of gasdermin E. On the other hand, activation of executioner caspases can also trigger pro-survival and pro-proliferation signals. In recent years, a growing body of studies have demonstrated that cells can survive from executioner caspase activation in response to stress and that the survivors undergo molecular and phenotypic alterations. This review focuses on death and survival from executioner caspase activation, summarizing the role of executioner caspases in apoptotic and pyroptotic cell death and discussing the potential mechanism and consequences of survival from stress-induced executioner caspase activation.

Nrf2 knockout attenuates the astragaloside IV therapeutic effect on kidney fibrosis from liver cancer by regulating pSmad3C/3L pathways

Fibrotic kidney injury from hepatocarcinogenesis seriously impacts treatment effect. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), an extract of Astragalus membranaceus, has several pharmacological activities, which are useful in the treatment of edema and fibrosis. Nrf2/HO-1 is a key antioxidant stress pathway and help treatment of kidney injury. Smad3 phosphorylation is implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis. Our previous study clarified that Smad3 is differentially regulated by different phosphorylated forms of Smad3 on hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, we investigated the contribution of AS-IV on the therapy of kidney fibrosis from hepatocarcinogenesis. And the focus was on whether the phosphorylation of Smad3 and the regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway were involved during AS-IV therapy and whether there is an effect of Nrf2 knockout on the phosphorylation of Smad3. We performed TGF-β1 stimulation on HK-2 cells and intervened with AS-IV. Furtherly, we investigated renal injury of AS-IV on Nrf2 knockout mice during hepatocarcinogenesis and its mechanism of action. On the one hand, in vitro results showed that AS-IV reduced the ROS and α-SMA expression of HK-2 by promoting the expression pSmad3C/p21 of and Nrf2/HO-1 and suppressed the expression of pSmad3L/PAI-1. On the other hand, the in vivo results of histopathological features, serological biomarkers, and oxidative damage indicators showed that Nrf2 knockout aggravated renal injury. Besides, Nrf2 deletion decreased the nephroprotective effect of AS-IV by suppressing the pSmad3C/p21 pathway and promoting the pSmad3L/PAI-1 pathway. The experimental results were as we suspected. And we identify for the first time that Nrf2 deficiency increases renal fibrosis from hepatocarcinogenesis and attenuates the therapeutic effects of AS-IV via regulating pSmad3C/3L signal pathway.

Protective Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats: Histological and Immunohistochemical Study

Cisplatin is a potent antineoplastic drug that is used for treatment of many solid tumors. It has a wide range of adverse effects. Nephrotoxicity is the most common one of them. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous human plasma that activates the tissue regeneration through cell proliferation and differentiation. Study the role of PRP in amelioration of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity on the kidney of adult male albino rats by biochemical, morphometric, histological, and immunohistochemical studies. Thirty-five adult male albino rats were used. Thirty rats were included as experimental group and five were used to obtain the PRP. The experimental group was classified into as follows: control group which received 1mL of sterile saline by intraperitoneal injection (IP), cisplatin-treated group which received cisplatin 7.5 mg/kg IP in a single dose and cisplatin and PRP-treated group rats received cisplatin 7.5 mg/kg single IP dose followed by 1ml of PRP IP after 24 h of cisplatin injection. There was a significant increase in urea and creatinine levels in cisplatin-treated group in comparison to the control and the PRP groups. The kidneys of cisplatin-treated group showed distorted renal structure, where specimens of PRP-treated group revealed restoration of the classical appearance of the renal tissue similar to the control group. PRP has protective effects on renal structure and functions and it helps to ameliorate the histological changes induced by cisplatin.

Pyroptosis Induction with Nanosonosensitizer-Augmented Sonodynamic Therapy Combined with PD-L1 Blockade Boosts Efficacy against Liver Cancer

Induction of pyroptosis can promote anti-PD-L1 therapeutic efficacy due to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, but current approaches can cause off target toxicity. Herein, a phthalocyanine-conjugated mesoporous silicate nanoparticle (PMSN) is designed for amplifying sonodynamic therapy (SDT) to augment oxidative stress and induce robust pyroptosis in tumors. The sub-10 nm diameter structure and c(RGDyC)-PEGylated modification enhance tumor targeting and renal clearance. The unique porous architecture of PMSN doubles ROS yield and enhances pyroptotic cell populations in tumors (25.0%) via a cavitation effect. PMSN-mediated SDT treatment efficiently reduces tumor mass and suppressed residual tumors in treated and distant sites by synergizing with PD-L1 blockade (85.93% and 77.09%, respectively). Furthermore, loading the chemotherapeutic, doxorubicin, into PMSN intensifies SDT-pyroptotic effects and increased efficacy. This is the first report of the use of SDT regimens to induce pyroptosis in liver cancer. This noninvasive and effective strategy has potential for clinical translation.

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species initiate gasdermin D-mediated pyroptosis and contribute to paraquat-induced nephrotoxicity

Paraquat (PQ)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) progresses rapidly and is associated with high mortality rates; however, no specific antidote for PQ has been identified. Poor understanding of toxicological mechanisms underlying PQ has hindered the development of suitable treatments to combat PQ exposure. Gasdermin D (GSDMD), a key executor of pyroptosis, has recently been shown to enhance nephrotoxicity in drug-induced AKI. To explore the role of pyroptosis in PQ-induced AKI, the plasma membrane damage of the cells was detected by LDH release assay. Western blot was performed to detect the cleavage of GSDMD. RNA sequencing analysis was performed to explore the mechanism of PQ induced nephrotoxicity. Herein, we demonstrated that PQ could induce pyroptosis in HK-2 cells and nephridial tissues. Mechanistically, PQ initiated GSDMD cleavage, and GSDMD knockout attenuated PQ-induced nephrotoxicity in vivo. Further analysis revealed that the accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced p38 activation, contributing to PQ-induced pyroptosis. Furthermore, mitoquinone, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, reduced mitochondrial ROS levels and inhibited pyroptosis. Collectively, these findings provide insights into the role of GSDMD-dependent pyroptosis as a novel mechanism of PQ-induced AKI.

Autophagy mediated FTH1 degradation activates gasdermin E dependent pyroptosis contributing to diquat induced kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) induced by diquat (DQ) progresses rapidly, leading to high mortality, and there is no specific antidote for this chemical. Our limited knowledge of the pathogenic toxicological mechanisms of DQ has hindered the development of treatments against DQ poisoning. Pyroptosis is a form of programmed cell death and was recently identified as a novel molecular mechanism of drug-induced AKI. To explore the role of pyroptosis in HK-2 cells exposed to DQ, the plasma membrane damage of the cells was detected by LDH release assay. Western blot was performed to detect the cleavage of GSDME. Proteomics analysis was performed to explore the mechanism of DQ induced nephrotoxicity. FerroOrange probe was used to measure the intracellular Fe2+ levels. Herein, we show that DQ induces pyroptosis in HK-2 cells. Mechanistically, DQ induces the accumulation of mitochondrial ROS and initiates the cleavage of gasdermin E (GSDME) in an intrinsic mitochondrial pathway. Knockout of GSDME attenuated DQ-induced cell death. Further analysis revealed that loss of FTH1 induces Fe2+ accumulation, contributing to DQ-induced pyroptosis. Knockdown LC3B could help restore the expression of FTH1 and improve cell viability. Moreover, we found DFO, an iron chelator, could reduce cellular Fe2+ levels and inhibit pyroptosis. Collectively, these findings suggest an unrecognized mechanism for GSDME-dependent pyroptosis in DQ-induced AKI.

Gasdermins: a dual role in pyroptosis and tumor immunity

The gasdermin (GSDM) protein family plays a pivotal role in pyroptosis, a process critical to the body's immune response, particularly in combatting bacterial infections, impeding tumor invasion, and contributing to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. These proteins are adept at activating inflammasome signaling pathways, recruiting immune effector cells, creating an inflammatory immune microenvironment, and initiating pyroptosis. This article serves as an introduction to the GSDM protein-mediated pyroptosis signaling pathways, providing an overview of GSDMs' involvement in tumor immunity. Additionally, we explore the potential applications of GSDMs in both innovative and established antitumor strategies.

Pyroptosis: a double-edged sword in lung cancer and other respiratory diseases

Pyroptosis is an active cell death process mediated by gasdermin family proteins including Gasdermin A (GSDMA), Gasdermin B (GSDMB), Gasdermin C (GSDMC), Gasdermin D (GSDMD), Gasdermin E (GSDME, DFNA5), and DFNB59. Emerging evidences have shown that pyroptosis contributes to many pulmonary diseases, especially lung cancer, and pneumonia. The exact roles of pyroptosis and gasdermin family proteins are tremendously intricate. Besides, there are evidences that pyroptosis contributes to these respiratory diseases. However, it often plays a dual role in these diseases which is a cause for concern and makes it difficult for clinical translation. This review will focus on the multifaceted roles of pyroptosis in respiratory diseases.

Xiaobanxia decoction alleviates chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting by inhibiting GSDME-mediated pyroptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xiaobanxia Decoction (XBXD), a traditional antiemetic formula, is effective in preventing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), but its underlying mechanism has not been fully clarified.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate whether the antiemetic mechanisms of XBXD against CINV is associated with the reduction of GSDME-mediated pyroptosis and the alleviation of gastrointestinal inflammation induced by cisplatin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We established the in vivo pica rat model and the in vitro small intestinal epithelial cell (IEC-6 cell) injury model by cisplatin challenge. The levels of ROS, IL-1β, IL-18, HMGB1 were measured by ELISA. The histopathological changes of gastrointestinal (GI) tissues were examined by HE staining. The expression and localization of GSDME in GI tissues were determined by IHC. The GSDME mRNA expression in GI tissues was determined by RT-PCR. The IEC-6 cell viability was detected by CCK-8. The morphology of IEC-6 cells was observed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscopy. Pyroptosis was examined using Hoechst33342/PI staining. The intracellular ROS levels were measured with the fluorescent probe DCFH-DA. The expression levels of JNK, p-JNK, Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-9, caspase-3 and GSDME in GI tissues and IEC-6 cells were determined by WB.

RESULTS

We found that the cumulative kaolin intake (pica behavior, analogous to emesis) significantly increased in cisplatin-treated rats, accompanied by significant inflammatory pathological changes of GI tissues. XBXD decreased the cumulative kaolin intake and alleviated GI inflammation in cisplatin-treated rats by inhibiting the activation of the ROS/JNK/Bax signaling pathway and by reducing GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. Additionally, cisplatin damaged IEC-6 cells by activating GSDME-dependent pyroptosis. XBXD reduced GSDME-mediated IEC-6 cell pyroptotic death by regulating the ROS/JNK/Bax signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggested that GSDME-mediated pyroptosis greatly contributes to the occurrence of CINV, and suppressing GSDME-mediated pyroptosis is the important antiemetic mechanism of XBXD.